By demonstrating how the emigration after the Great Famine affected the economy, agriculture, housing, industry and even the customs and folklore of Ireland, Schrier reveals the emergence of a new Ireland, ready to step into the economic and political maelstrom of the 20th century.
Part I - the flowing tide: causes and characteristics; the lure of America. part II - reactions and results: the futile protest (press and pulpit); the visible result (land and labour); the invisible result (cant and custom). Part III - the return tide: alms and agitation; men, manners and methods; conclusion - the impact of emigration.